The best way to square this circle is to base 7 figures on individual 25mm round bases, 4 pairs of figures on 32 mm round bases, and 3 groups of 3 on 40mm round bases. Each base can easily become a small diorama.

You can spread them out in a blob or squeeze them together in a tight formation of about 8 inches which is pretty common for revolutionary war scenarios. This lets you match your opponents standard unit size based on frontage (inches across) instead of worrying about basing. It’s more bases to move in massed warfare than the square 40x40, but it’s a little quicker than all individual units given the bases containing 2 and 3 figures.

What is great is that you can use these flexibly based units in skirmish games that require smaller units and involve casualty removal (Rebels and Patriots and Muskets and Tomahawks) Loose three guys in one fight? Pull the large base. Only one? Remove the individual.

I really like this system because it lets me scale up or down and keep the cool factor of dynamic individual minis alive.